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Desert Highlands Announces Renovation of Men’s Locker Room and Addition of Nicklaus Room

Following a major course restoration and golf shop upgrade, the Scottsdale club has begun work on a multifaceted renovation that will modernize social spaces and honor its Jack Nicklaus heritage.

By Editorial Staff | June 24, 2026

Desert Highlands (Scottsdale, Ariz.) announces renovation work has begun to its men’s locker room. Slated to be completed by the end of 2026, the renovation project will elevate the daily experience for members.

This project follows on the heels of the club’s renovation of the women’s locker room and golf pro shop late last year.

The men’s locker room renovation project will center on five key enhancements to elevate the member’s experience while honoring Desert Highlands’ traditions and heritage:

  • The men’s grille and lounge will be reimagined as a more open and inviting gathering space. Updated finishes, furnishings and design elements will create a comfortable environment for dining, socializing and connecting with fellow members.
  • The addition of the Nicklaus Room will introduce a distinctive new experience within the men’s locker room. The intimate fireside lounge will pay tribute to Desert Highlands’ legacy as the world’s first Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course while providing a refined setting for conversation and relaxation.
  • The locker room will be thoughtfully reimagined to enhance the member experience. Elevated finishes, improved lighting, upgraded amenities, and refined design details will create a more sophisticated and welcoming environment while preserving the traditions that make the space special.
  • The wet areas, including showers, vanities and restroom facilities, will be fully modernized. Contemporary fixtures, premium materials, and upgraded finishes will enhance both comfort and functionality.
  • The renovation will strengthen the connection between the indoor gathering spaces and the outdoor patio and golf course views. The result will be a more open, relaxed environment that embraces the Desert Highlands lifestyle.

Together, these enhancements will create a more elevated, comfortable and experience-driven destination for members while preserving the character, camaraderie and sense of community that define the Desert Highlands experience.

“Updating and improving our men’s locker room will make it more functional and inviting, and aligns with the Desert Highlands brand and quality expected at the club today and into the future,” says Desi Speh, Chief Operating Officer / General Manager at Desert Highlands. “This project, combined with last year’s golf shop and women’s locker room renovation, ensures that our core member spaces are consistent, cohesive and reflective of the Desert Highlands experience.”

Desert Highlands’ energetic lifestyle consistently draws discerning and active members – from tennis and pickleball enthusiasts to golfers, pet lovers and health and wellness enthusiasts. A full social calendar allows residents to fully enjoy this peaceful community.

This past November, the club completed a $9.8 million restoration project to its golf course. Spearheaded by Nicklaus Design Senior Designer Chad Goetz, the restoration project represents one of the most ambitious and rewarding undertakings in Desert Highlands’ illustrious history.

The project included six major components: design enhancements to several holes, greens reconstruction, tee reconstruction, bunker reconstruction, desert de- and re-vegetation, and restoration of the turf found on the tees, fairways and rough.

Desert Highlands also recently completed a $2.5 million modernization of its golf shop and women’s locker room. The golf shop now features a redesigned layout with an expanded entrance and a relocated retail counter. Meanwhile, the women’s locker room boasts brighter finishes, a refreshed card lounge, upgraded vanity and wet areas, and a new self-serve comfort station that includes snack drawers, grab-and-go lunch options, wine on tap and a Pour-My-Beer tap system.

The club also recently updated its clubhouse and racquet club lounge. Set against awe-inspiring views of Pinnacle Peak and the unspoiled desert, Jack’s Backyard features numerous lounge areas, patio tables, cushioned fireside seating and two Bocce courts.

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